This information is provided as a general guide based upon information provided to the British Embassy by the relevant local authorities and may be subject to change at any time with little or no notice. The FCO and the British Embassy will not be liable for any inaccuracies. In addition, we make no representation as to the quality or accuracy of the information which is available at the web addresses listed in this guide, nor can we accept any responsibility for the content that is hosted on them. British nationals wishing to obtain any further information must contact the relevant local authority.
IMPORTANT: if you require urgent medical assistance in China dial 120.
An overview of medical treatment in China
Depending on which hospital you’re taken to, medical care is generally good in major cities in China, though some hospitals can be very crowded and have long waiting times. They may appear chaotic if you are used to treatment at hospitals in the UK or other places in Europe.
Outside major cities, the standard of healthcare is variable; it can sometimes be poor and disorganised. With the exception of clinics oriented towards foreign patients, GP clinics are an uncommon phenomenon.
Language assistance
English-speaking doctors and nurses may be available in large hospitals, but this will not be universal. Some hospitals can provide English-speaking staff on-hand for a fee. Wherever possible, seek medical assistance in the company of a Chinese speaker.
For information on medical practitioners in China which can provide English language services, please see our list of hospitals on GOV.UK.
Medicine
If you’re on prescription medication, make sure you either bring enough with you or have access to a supply once in China. Certain medicines may not be available in China (including major brands readily available in the UK), and you may be prohibited from bringing some medicines into the country. For more information and advice, check with your GP and the Embassy of China before travelling.
If your medicine is available from suppliers in China, doctors may first want to conduct their own diagnosis before repeating a prescription issued elsewhere.
Nursing
Certain roles performed by nursing staff in UK hospitals are considered the responsibility of family members in Chinese medical institutions, particularly in remote areas. This may include providing food & drink and changing sheets, clothing & bedpans, among other roles.
Privacy
Patients in China typically receive less privacy than would be expected in the UK. A medical consultation may take place in the same room as other patients and their family members; it may be possible to request private consultation depending on the individual institution.
VIP services
Many hospitals feature VIP wards with greater privacy and levels of care for patients willing to pay for them. Some VIP rooms are equipped similarly to apartments, with an en-suite bathroom, kitchen, dining room, etc.
Fees for VIP services may be considerably higher than normal care, and staff may assume that foreign patients require VIP treatment without first consulting them. You should make it clear if you do not wish to receive VIP treatment, and if you do want it check with your insurer whether this is covered under your policy.
Patient admissions process
A typical admissions process for a walk-in patient at a Chinese hospital could be as follows:
1. Patient arrives at reception
2. Staff provide a registration form to be completed, which may include an application for a hospital payment card
3. Having completed the forms and paid the registration fee, the patient takes a number and queues to await treatment
4. After the treatment, the patient pays at the cashier desk for any medicine prescribed and collects any medicine at the hospital pharmacy
5. If further checks are required (e.g. blood tests or X-rays) and cannot be completed on the same day, the patient will need to come back another day and repeat the above registration process, using their payment card
6. If the patient needs to stay in the hospital for treatment, doctors will issue a ‘Hospital Admission Notice’ which the patient needs to then register at the hospital admissions office. They also need to pay a deposit; medical expenses incurred during time at the hospital will be deducted from this deposit, which must be topped upif used during treatment. Any leftover deposit will be refunded on discharge
7. Upon discharge, the patient may be issued with a Chinese-language medical report on the treatment received and examination results.
Payment & insurance
Healthcare is not provided free of charge in China and medical bills can be high. Medical evacuation from China is very expensive. Make sure you have comprehensive insurance covering healthcare and medical evacuation/repatriation to the UK or your normal country of residence for the duration of your stay. Please view our guidance on foreign travel insurance, which outlines what your insurance policy should cover you for.
Many hospitals do not accept international bank or credit cards; deposits and medical treatment may be required via either a domestic bank account or cash payment.
Certain hospitals based in large cities have partnerships with foreign insurance companies and can provide medical services without a deposit. Please check with the hospital or your insurance provider for information on relevant partnerships.
Deposits
It is common practice for hospitals to require patients to make a deposit before providing treatment. Initial deposits are typically between 3,000-7,000RMB (roughly £300-700), though the exact figure will depend on the particular circumstances of the patient and the medical treatment required.
Where a patient has medical insurance, hospitals often still require a deposit from the patient before funds from the insurance provider have been processed. Treatment may be denied before this is done.
How the FCO can help you if you are in hospital
§ We aim to contact you as soon as possible after being told that you have been admitted to hospital to assess how we can help you. We will then aim to help you according to your individual needs. This may include visiting you if you are particularly vulnerable and you want us to.
§ When we assess your vulnerability, we will take account of factors such as your condition, your ability to speak on the phone, whether you have relatives or friends with you, whether you have a tour company representative and the standard of medical facilities. We will then decide whether a visit is appropriate or not. If we believe it is, and we are able to get to you, we will aim to visit as soon as possible.
§ If you want, we can contact your family or friends in the UK to tell them that you are in hospital.
§ If you want, we can help you to consult your insurance company or medical evacuation company. Remember to keep any receipts or doctors’ notes in case you need them to make a claim. We may also be able to help you communicate with hospital staff in certain situations if they do not speak English.
§ We do not usually contact or visit people who have travelled specifically for medical treatment and we cannot pay medical bills.
Useful Links
If you need general advice when travelling abroad or want to know how the Embassy can help you if you have difficulties please see Support for British nationals: A guide. We also publish and regularly update foreign travel advice with key information for 225 countries and territories around the world.
The British Embassy/Consulate-Generals provide guides on the following subjects:
Adoption in China
www.gov.uk/adoption-in-china- including details of who to talk to and documents you may need
Bereavement in China
www.gov.uk/government/publications/bereavement-in-china - including information on support available and action needed
Commercial disputes in China
https://www.gov.uk/commercial-disputes-in-china - advice for British nationals and UK companies in China doing business in China
Emergency Travel Document
https://www.gov.uk/emergency-travel-document
English speaking lawyers, translators and interpreters
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/china-list-of-lawyers - list of English speaking lawyers and translators/interpreters in China
Foreign travel insurance
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/foreign-travel-insurance
Giving birth in China
www.gov.uk/government/publications/giving-birth-in-china - advice on nationality for your child
Living in China
www.gov.uk/living-in-china - general information and links for British nationals living in China
List of hospitals in China
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/list-of-hospitals-in-china
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